Press Releases
04/01/2020
PURA Recognizes April as Call Before You Dig Month
Reminds the Public of National Safe Digging Precautions
Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announces today that it recognizes April, 2020 as Call Before You Dig (CBYD) month.
CBYD, Inc. is a statutorily created non-profit clearing house that guards against the accidental digging up of underground facilities such as pipes, mains, cable and conduits. This safeguard helps to prevent dangerous and costly leaks, explosions and fires when digging, blasting or demolishing is taking place across the state.
By law, any individual, contractor, utility or public agency must notify CBYD at least two full business days prior to digging. CBYD will then notify all owners and operators of any buried utilities to ensure all lines, cables, pipes and conduits can be properly located and marked by the standardized color coding system.
The month of April brings about many landscaping and construction projects, which means a heightened vulnerability to the exposure of public utility lines. It is critical that CBYD is notified before digging occurs, as a public and worker safety precaution.
“As we move into the warmer weather months, we want to stress to homeowners especially the importance of calling ‘8-1-1’ before you dig – even in your own yard,” stated PURA chairman Marissa P. Gillett. “The service is free, easy to use, and it’s the law. We’re in our 42nd year of damage prevention and view this as a critical strategy to keeping residents and workers safe.”
PURA oversees all CBYD activity across the state, and enforces all rules and regulations for excavators. If regulatory violations occur, PURA has the authority to open an investigation and impose fines, if warranted.
CBYD is a key component to the reduction in damage to underground facilities. The program protects the safety and wellbeing of excavators and helps to protect property and the general public. Connecticut residents are encouraged to become familiar with CBYD by visiting www.cbyd.com or call “8-1-1” before moving forward with any excavation projects in Connecticut. The website offers user manuals and damage reporting tools, and the phone number provides a quick and easy way to receive guidance before beginning an excavation project.
Contact
Taren O'Connor
Director of Legislation, Regulation and Communications
860-827-2689
taren.oconnor@ct.gov